Typograph composing-machine.



E. UHTHOPF.

TYPOGRAPH GOMPOSING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAY 3, 1911.

' v Patented Feb. 20, 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHBET 1'.

E. UHTHOFP.

TYPOGRAPH ooMPosING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 3, 1911.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.

EDUARD UHTHOFF, OF BERLIN-CHARLOTTENBURG, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR '.IIO

TYPOGRAPH G. lVI. B. H., OF BERLIN, GERMANY.

TYPOGRAPH COMPOSING-MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it lmown that I, EDUARD UHTHOEF, a subject of the Emperor o fGermany, residing at Berlin-Charlottenburg, Germany, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Typograph Composing-Machines, ofwhich the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in typograph composing and castingmachines in which the matrices to be'assembled or distributed are guidedalong wires. And the object of the improvements is to provide a machineof this class in which the matrices can readily be removed from orplaced on the guide wires, as may be necessary for example where thematrices are worn out and it is desired to put into the machine anentirely new set of matrices, or where it is desired to put on themachine a set of matrices carrying type of different character.

In machines of this class as now in use the guide wires are each formedwith a reduced portion, and the matrix bars are removed from or appliedto the said reduced portions either separately or in groups of smallnumbers. In front of the said reduced portion an escapement device isprovided by means of which in distributing the matrix bars the latterare prevented from passing beyond the said reduced portions and droppingdownward. In constructions of this character the removal of the wholeset of matrix bars is rather tedious. To enable the matrix bars to beremoved from or applied to the wires more speedily it has been suggestedto separate the individual guide wires and to interpose between thesamey a special frame which is adapted to receive the matrix bars fromthe guide 4wires and to replace the same by other matrix bars. I-Ioweverin such constructions the wires can not well be secured in place. In myimproved construction the wires are made of continuous lengths and theyare reduced or flattened at a part of their length, and from the saidreduced or flattened parts subsidiary wires are branched off which aremounted on a removable frame. Adjacent to the reduced or flatted part ofthe wires an escapement device is provided which in the normaldistributing operation arrests -the matrix bars.

For the purpose of explaining the invention more in detail severalexamples embodying the same have been shown in the Specification ofLetters Patent.

Application led May 3, 1911.

Patented Feb. 2o, 1912. serial No. 624,857.

accompanying drawings in which the same letters of reference have beenused in all the views to indicate corresponding parts.

In said drawings Figure l, is a plan view of the matrix basket of atypograph composing machine, Fig. 2, is a partial side viewof the sameon an enlarged scale showing the ends of the matrix wires, the matrixbasket being shown in its rocked or distributing position, Fig. 3, is apartial side view similar to that shown in Fig. 2, and illustrating amodification of the matrix wires, Fig. 4, is a similar partial side viewshowing a further modiiication, Fig. 5, is a side view of a tool usedfor conveniently applying a whole set of matrices to the wires, Fig. 6,is a plan of the tool shown in Fig. 5, Fig.r 7 is a plan view of thematrix bars similar to that shown in Fig. 1, and illustrating a furthermodilicatiomFig. 8, is a side view of Fig. 7 similar to that shown inFig. 2, and Fig. 9, is a partial side view seen from the left in Fig. 8and'in the direction of the arrow A.

Referring tothe example illustrated-in Figs. 1 and 2, the main guidingwires aV Yare mounted on a frame ol. Near their rear ends they arecranked downward and the cranked portions o are flattened. From theflattened portions b subsidiary wires f are branched olil which aredisposed above the rear portions of the main wires a, and which laresecured to a subsidiary frameo, c1 bearing on the main frame d. As showntwo subsidiary frames c and o1 are provided each of which corresponds toone section of the basket. The frames c and c1 are removably mounted onthe frame d, and they can be removed therefrom by means of handles g andg1. Below the flattened portion o of the guiding wires there is a bail cwhich can easily be removed or rocked downward. The said bail providesan escapement device for the matrix bars. When being distributed thesaid matrix bars slide on the guidingwires in the ordinary way, untilthey come to the rear end thereof where they are arrestedby the bail e.Ifit is desired to remove the whole set of matrix bars, the bail c isremoved, whereupon, after rocking the basket, the matrix bars slide onthe subsidiary wires f, until they are taken up by the frames c and c1.Now the latter are removed, so that the whole set of'matrix bars isremoved by a single operation. Therebv l the load on the basket isreleased, so that the latter has the tendency to rock backward into itscomposing position. To prevent. this any suitable means may be provided.

In the example shown in Figs. 1 and 2 for convenience in handling theapparatus separate subsidiary frames c and c1 are provided for thesections of the matrix basket. While this construction is preferable forconvenience in handling the apparatus, I wish it to be understood thatmy invention is not limited to the construction shown.

Figs. 3 and Il show alterations in regard to the rear ends of theconducting wires. In Fig. 3 the conducting wires a3, having flatteningsZr", are carried along exactly as before, while the auxiliary guide barsf3 as` eend in an oblique direction. In Fig. 4l, on the contrary, theconducting wires a* are obliquely carried downward from the fiat teningsb4, and the auxiliary guide bars fL are located, as shown in Fig. 2, inthe extension of the main parts of the conducting wires at. Also inthese cases the set of matrices or matrix bars is applied to the wiresin the distributing position of the basket, in which the frames c3 andc* are so placed on the frames cl3 and Z4 respectively that the matrixbars pass between the guiding wires 0,3 and at. By reason of the swingof the .matrix bars on the subsidiary wires it would be difficult to getthe same on the main wires.` For this reason I prefer to use a tool bymeans of which the matrix bars are held at rest when being brought onthe wires. A suitable tool is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings. Asshown the said tool is constructed in the form of a comb h which beforemounting the frames c, c1, c3, or c4 is inserted with its teeth betweenthe matrix bars, preferably at the upper end thereof where the distanceof the consecutive matrix bars is larger than near their bottom ends,whereupon the comb is moved downward as is shown in Fig. 5. Now the combholds the matrix bars at their lower ends, so that they can more easilybe inserted. If desired the said tool L may be secured to the frames c,c1, c3, ct, in which case it is slidingly mounted on guide rods z'provided on the said frames, and extending through suitable bores of thecomb 7L. It will thus be seen that by means of the comb all the matricesor matrix bars suspended from one subsidiary wire will be held againstlateral swing ing movement and separated from the matrices or matrixbars suspended from the adjoining subsidiary wires so vthat the variousgroups or ranks of matrices may be readily guided between the propersupporting wires in the act of placing the subsidiary frame in positionon the main frame.

In the example just described in the operation of the machine the matrixframe must be held with one hand and the comb h with the other hand, andthe said comb must be inserted between the matrix bars to prevent thesame from swinging. I have found this operation to be inconvenient, andtherefore in the example shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the matrix bars are notinserted from above, but from below. Now the comb L can be dispensedwith, and the operator is free to grasp the subsidiary frame with bothhands. It is manifest that the subsidiary wires will hold the groups orranks of matrix bars separated at their upper ends so that they may bereadily passed upwardly between the main guiding wires. In thisoperation it is immaterial whether the lower ends of the matrix bars areheld against lateral swinging movement and separated into groups orranks. Then they are transferred to the main wires they assume theirproper positions when they come to rest.

As shown the subsidiary frame c7 which carries the subsidiary wires f7is secured to the inner side of the basket frame (Z7 by means of screwsZr. Each of the subsidiary wires is bent at an angle, and one of itsbranches is secured to the frame c?, while its opposite branch which isat an angle to the coperating main wire extends to the flattened portionof the latter. The subsidiary wires receive the matrix bars mi whichslide downward along the main wires and are arrested until they areremoved by the subsidiary wires f7.

If it is desired to remove the whole set of matrix bars and to replacethe same by a di'lferent set, the matrix bars are slipped on thesubsidiary wires f7, and the screws 7c are unscrewed, whereupon thesubsidiary frame can be removed from the basket frame Z7 by means of-itshandles f/T, for which purpose it is at first slightly dis placedhorizontally and then moved perpendicular-ly downward. For the purposeof hanging a set of matrices into the apparatus, the operation is thereverse, and this can be done without arresting the swinging move mentof the matrix bars by means of the tool shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

IVhile in describing the invention refer ence has been made `to variousembodiments thereof which in my opinion serve the purpose best, I wishit to be understood, that I do not limit myself to the examplesillustrated, and that various changes may be made in the constructionand general arrangement of the parts within the gist of my invention.For example it is not necessary to mount the subsidiary frame to theinner side of the basket frame d, (Z3, or (Z7, as shown, butthe saidsubsidiary frame might be secured to another suitable part of the saidmain frame, for example to the bot tom side thereof. In any case in myopinion the preferred construction is such, that the matrix bars can bebrought into the main frame from the bottom of the same.

I claim herein as my invention:

1. In a typograph composing machine the combination with permanent mainWires continuous throughout the normal travel of the matrix bars andadapted to guide matrix bars, a basket, of subsidiary Wires in thebasket, one for each of said main Wires and adapted to be brought withtheir ends in contact With said main Wires and to permit the passage ofthe matrix bars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires and viceversa.

2. In a typograph composing machine the combination with permanent mainWires continuous throughout the normal travel of the matrix bars andadapted to g'uide matrix bars, a basket, of subsidiary Wires in thebasket one for each of said main Wires and adapted to be brought withtheir ends in contact With said main Wires at a point intermediate theends of said main Wires and to permit the passage of the matrix barsfrom said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires and vice versa, wherebythe matrix bars may be removed from and placed on the said main Wires inthe basket.

3. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with permanent mainWires adapted to guide matrix bars and each having a portion of reducedcross-section to permit of the removal of said matrix bars therefrom, ofsubsidiary Wires one for each of said main Wires and adapted to bebrought with their ends in contact with the portions of reducedcross-section of said main Wires and to permit the passage of the matrixbars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires and vice versa.

4. In a typograph composing machine, the combination With permanent mainWires adapted to guide matrix bars and each having a portion of reducedcross-section at a point intermediate its ends to permit of the removalof said matrix bars therefrom, of subsidiary Wires one for each of saidmain Wires and adapted to be brought With their ends in contact With theportions of reduced cross-section of said main Wires and to permit thepassage of the matrix bars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wiresand vice versa.

5. In a typograph composing machine, the combination With continuousmain Wires adapted to guide matrix bars, of subsidiary Wires one foreach of said main Wires and adapted to be brought with their ends incontact with said main Wires and to permit the passage of the matrixbars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires and vice versa, andan escapement device adapted to prevent the passage of the matrices fromthe main Wires to the subsidiary Wires.

6. In a typograph composing machine, the combination With main Wiresadapted to guide matrix bars, of independent removthe passage of thematrices from the main Wires to the subsidiary Wires.

7. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with permanent mainWires continuous throughout the normal travel of the matrix bars andadapted to guide 1natrix bars, of independent removable subsidiary Wiresone for each of said main Wires and adapted to be brought With theirends in contact With said main Wires and to permitA the passage of thematrix bars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires and viceversa, and a plurality of frames supporting said subsidiary Wires andadapted to be separately removed from or placed on the machine With theWires thereon in operative positions.

8. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with main Wiresadap-ted to guide matrix bars, of subsidiary Wires independent of and'separably removable from the main Wires, one of said subsidiary Wiresfor each of said main Wires and adapted to be brought With their ends incontact with said main Wires at a point intermediate the ends of saidmain Wires and to permit the passage of the matrix bars from said mainWires to said subsidiary Wiresand vice Versa,`

and a plurality of frames supporting said subsidiary Wires and adaptedto be separately removed from or placed on the machine With the Wiresthereon in operative positions.

9. In a typograph composing machine, the combination With permanent mainWires continuous throughout the normal travel of the matrix bars andadapted to guide matrix bars, of subsidiary Wires one for each of saidmain Wires and adapted to be brought on the machine from below the mainWires and with their ends in Contact With said main Wires and to permitthe passage of the matrix bars from said main Wires to said subsidiaryWires and Vice versa.

10. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with permanentmain Wires continuous throughout the normal travel of the matrix barsand adapted to guide matrix bars, of subsidiary Wires one for each ofsaid main Wires and adapted to be brought on the machine from below themain Wires and With their ends in contact With said main Wires at apoint intermediate the ends of said main Wires and to permit the passageof the matrix bars from said main Wires to said subsidiary Wires andvice versa.

11. In a typograph composing machine,

the combination with a main frame, and permanent main wires mounted onsaid frame and adapted to guide matrix bars, of a subsidiary frame, andcorresponding subsidiary wire on said subsidiary trame for each of themain wires in the main frame, said subsidiary frame and wires beingadapted to be applied to said main frame and wires from below and Vwiththe ends of the subsidiary wires in contact with the main wires and topermit the passage of the matrix bars from said main wires to thesubsidiary wires and vice versa.

l2. In a typogra-ph composing machine, the combination with a mainframe, and permanent main wires mounted on said trame and adapted toguide matrix bars, of a subsidiary iframe, independent subsidiary wireson said subsidiary frame, said subsidiary frame and wires being adaptedto be applied to said main frame and wires from below and with the, endsof the subsidiary wires in Contact with the main wires at pointsintermediate the ends of the latter and to permit the passage of thematrix bars from said main wires to the subsidiary wires and vice versa.

13. The combination with main wires adapted to guide matrix bars, of anindependent removable matrix bar receiving means, and means whereby thematrix bars may be diverted from the main wires to said independentremovable receiving means, and movable means to prevent the passage ot'the matrix bars to the removable matrix bar `receiving means.

may be diverted from the said continuous main wires to said independentremovable receiving means, and means normally preventing the shifting ofthe matrix bars from the main wires to the removable receiving means.

l5. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with permanentmain wires adapted to guide matrix bars of subsidiary wires, one foreach of said main wires and adapted to be brought with their ends closeto said main wires to permit the passage ot the matrix bars from thesaid main wires to said subsidiary wires and vice versa, and meansnormally preventing thc movement ot' the matrix bars from the main wiresto the subsidiary wires.

16. In a typograph composing machine, the combination with permanentmain wires continuous throughout the normal travel ot' the matrix barsand adapted to guide matrix bars, each of said main wires having aportion of altered cross sectional dimensions to permit ot the removalof said matrix bars, of subsidiary wires, one for each of said mainwires and adapted to be brought with their ends in contact with theportions of the main wires of altered cross sectional dimensions topermit of the passage of the matrix bars from said main wires to saidsubsidiary wires and vice versa, and movable means normally preventingthe matrix bars reaching the point of altered cross sectionaldimensions.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twowitnesses.

EDUARD UHTHCFF.

litnesses HENRY HASPER, VOLDEMAR HAUPT.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

